Organic Protein Bars from Nature Zen, Chocolate, High protein snack, 16g protein, High in fibers, certified vegan, No artificial flavor, Nut Free, Soy free, Gluten Free, dairy free, 60g, 12 bars per box

Texture not enjoyable and just doesn’t taste very good

There are a myriad of nutritional bars out there, but Nature Zen Bars are PURE, LIGHT, FILLING and DELICIOUS. I am grateful to my friend, Christina, for recommending them to me. You try them and you'll be hooked!

These really do not taste or smell good.

Update (4/2/23): Having eaten a couple of these, some additional observations: 1) not too sweet, 2) good consistency, not dry and bland, and 3) I could eat more than one in a sitting (can't do that with other bars which are either too sweet, or too dry, etc.)Summary: I grew up eating granola bars, and also power bars. I often find myself complaining that the protein bar is too rich, too sweet, too sticky... so the low sugar is important for me. Also Vine reviewed some protein powder offerings by NATURE ZEN, so listed those below as well.Observations: While the low sugar offerings are good, the consistency usually isn't that great, and sometimes barely palatable. I listed a few different offerings below for price comparison purposes.Recommendations: Everyone's sense of what's too sweet varies; which is why the Nutrition Facts and full ingredient lists are important.Pros: Healthy ingredients; full ingredient list provided via product image; Country of Origin CANADA per Amazon page details.Cons: Cost, at $3.58/bar, a lot more expensive than similar bar offerings.Conclusion: At $43 for 12 bars (>$3/each), rating this 3-stars (cost, new-manufacturer).Related Products:Laird Superfood Functional Protein Bars with Adaptogens, 10-11g, 10 Count$25.95 ($2.60 / Count)https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3ZQYNL4No Cow High Protein Bars, Lemon Meringue Pie, 22g Plant Based Vegan$13.99 ($2.33 / Count)https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B46XWRLWZing Bars Plant Based Protein Bar Minis | Dark Chocolate Mint | 100Calorie | 5g Protein and 2g Fiber | Gluten Free, Non GMO | 18 Count3.8 out of 5 stars 16 ratingsPrice:$22.94 ($1.27 / Count)https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PZ96NXX?th=1Nature Zen Organic Rice Protein Powder- Plant Based, Sugar & Gluten Free, No Soy & Peanuts (Pure Cacao, 16 oz)Visit the Nature Zen Store3.3 out of 5 stars 12 ratingsClimate Pledge Friendly Climate Pledge Friendly$32.95 ($32.95 / Ounce) > $1.67/servinghttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B094LSFDSHNature Zen Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder - Sugar & Gluten Free, No Soy, Dairy & Peanuts - 16 Oz. (18 Servings) (Strawberry, 16 Oz)Visit the Nature Zen Store4.6 out of 5 stars 11 ratingsClimate Pledge Friendly Climate Pledge Friendly$32.95 ($2.06 / Ounce) > $1.67/servinghttps://www.amazon.com/Nature-Zen-Organic-Plant-Based-Protein/dp/B094LS5WGS

So three weeks ago I started a low carb high protein diet to try to tackle this menopausal weight gain. There are very few protein bars out there for me to choose from for a few reasons. First and foremost I can’t eat soy protein isolate/concentrate (and when you research no one should eat it) because it gives me a goiter for some odd reason. Next, I am also trying to keep a cap on the fat intake while on this diet and so many protein bars rely on nuts for their protein that that their fat content is like 18g leaving me very little fat for the rest of the day. Next so many protein bars are so carb heavy or the carbs to protein to calorie ratios are just so poor for dieting or for leaving me room for other foods during the day. I also have never been a fan of sugar alcohols but see them as a necessary evil sometime and will admit that I have been using Quest bars and the Kirkland copy of those on this diet. I saw these Nature Zen and wanted to try them. I had read the ingredients and nutrition ahead of time, but I was so stoked to see an organic protein bar (this now probably my favorite thing about these bars) that jumped all in on these. The ingredient is SUPER clean and that makes me so happy. I am a big chocolate fan, and it is such a nice change of pace to eat a protein bar that is not nut based as the flavor always comes through a little. The texture on these is a little grainy and a touch dry but it holds together just fine and does not crumble at all. I hope my photo illustrates this. There are itty bitty bits of crunch inside which is nice to break thing up. The first bite I though nope, not going to eat any more of these bars, but as I kept eating I decided I would have no problem eating them. I also love that these have so much fiber in them. Price wise for an organic bar I think these are a solid value. So, here is why I only gave them 4 stars and not 5. These reasons are specific to me attempting to diet and I have a plan I am trying to loosely adhere to in terms of daily macros, so when I am not on the diet these issues would not apply and I would happily keep these organic bars in the pantry and never bat an eye at eating them. But for right now 9g of is a little steep at using up about 1/3 of what I am trying to limit myself to, but this is not that different from a Quest bar so not really holding it against these bars. The protein is a little low for the calories and fat and carb commitment, I’d really like to see the protein at about 20g to make the carb/fat/calories worth it. The main drawback is the carbs through. 27g of carbs is a lot, nearly a third of what I try to limit myself to a day and about 20% more than the Quest/Kirkland bars. The difference being the 9g of sugar I am sure, but I also know enough about food science to know how the texture (moisture) would change if the sugar was replaced with, say, stevia. But, to get the carbs down I’d most likely be willing the bar that way. Anyway, great bar, yay for organic, love it except for the slightly high carbs and slightly lower protein content than ideal for me right now.

I was looking for a sugar free bar. I thought I found one. I have just received it and it has 9g of sugar (cane sugar) to be precise. Why not be honest about your product? I am disappointed.

These are delicious! Great quality, ingredients, and taste. I’ve been looking for a go-to protein bar and happy to say I found it!